Garfield County commissioners are hosting a "community input session" Friday morning to hear from residents and business owners about their experiences regarding health insurance under Colorado's new health insurance exchange.

Insurance and health care experts have also been invited to speak at the special meeting, scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday at the commissioners meeting room in the county administration building in downtown Glenwood Springs, 108 Eighth St., Room 100.

The county has objected to being included in the resort rating area under the state's insurance exchange, which has resulted in what has been reported to be some of the highest health insurance costs in the country under the new federal Affordable Care Act.

Commissioners recently announced plans to sue the state Division of Insurance over the decision to include Garfield County in the rating area along with Pitkin, Eagle and Summit counties, which combined have some of the highest health care costs in the state.

"Citizens, business owners and insurance professionals are encouraged to share their personal experiences, and their comments and concerns regarding health insurance rates," according to a news release announcing the Friday meeting.

Representatives from the other affected counties have also been invited to participate in the session.